ABC News Presidential Debate Notes

Overview

• Debate Location: Philadelphia, National Constitution Center
• Debate Moderators: David Muir and Lindsay Davis
• Debate Participants: Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump
• Objective: Historic first face-to-face meeting between Harris and Trump in the 2024 Presidential Election contest.
• Structure:
  • 90 minutes duration
  • Two commercial breaks
  • No pre-shared topics/questions
  • Candidates have 2 minutes to answer questions, 2 minutes for rebuttals, and 1 minute for follow-ups.
  • No audience present.

Key Issues Discussed

Economic Policy

• Kamala Harris:
  • Focus on middle class and working people.
  • Plan for an "opportunity economy."
  • $6,000 tax cut for families and $50,000 deduction for startup small businesses.
  • Critiques Trump's policies as benefiting billionaires and increasing deficits.
• Donald Trump:
  • Denies Harris's claim of a sales tax; focuses on tariffs instead.
  • Critiques current administration for high inflation and economic mismanagement.
  • Claims to have rebuilt a great economy and promises to do it again.

Immigration

• Kamala Harris:
  • Mentions her prosecution work on transnational criminal organizations.
  • Critiques Trump for hindering border security bill.
  • Advocates for solutions over running on problems.
• Donald Trump:
  • Criticizes the current state of immigration, claims it's destroying the country.
  • Argues for a large-scale deportation plan involving National Guard and local police.
  • Accuses Harris and Biden of allowing criminals into the country.

Abortion Rights

• Donald Trump:
  • Proud of overturning Roe v. Wade; wants states to decide on abortion.
  • Denies intent to sign a national abortion ban.
  • Supports exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.
• Kamala Harris:
  • Criticizes Trump’s abortion policies as criminalizing health care providers.
  • Supports reinstating Roe v. Wade protections.
  • Pledges to sign a bill restoring these protections into law if passed by Congress.

National Security and Foreign Policy

• Kamala Harris:
  • Criticizes Trump’s international policy decisions as weak and favoring autocrats.
  • Advocates for strong alliances and a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Donald Trump:
  • Claims would end Ukraine war within 24 hours through negotiation.
  • Critiques Harris for poor negotiation and foreign policy, leading to current global conflicts.

Health Care

• Donald Trump:
  • Criticizes Obamacare but offers no new plan.
  • Suggests maintaining Obamacare unless a better, cheaper plan is found.
• Kamala Harris:
  • Supports strengthening the Affordable Care Act.
  • Emphasizes protecting pre-existing conditions and lowering drug prices.

Climate Change and Environment

• Kamala Harris:
  • Labels climate change as an existential threat.
  • Promotes investment in clean energy and reduction of reliance on foreign oil.
• Donald Trump:
  • Argues against extensive green energy policies.
  • Criticizes energy policies that disadvantage traditional energy sectors.

Closing Statements

• Kamala Harris:
  • Advocates for a focus on future opportunities and uplifting American lives.
  • Emphasizes unity and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.
• Donald Trump:
  • Critiques current administration for failure to act over past years.
  • Promises to restore America’s strength and prevent further decline.